Powering the maritime energy transition
Minimizing the impact of shipping on the climate and the environment is a crucial contribution to reaching the global climate targets. One of the ultimate goals is carbon neutral or carbon free transportation.
Currently, worldwide maritime transport emits around 3% of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of net-zero CO2 emissions from shipping by or around 2050. An ambitious goal that requires technological changes in the industry.
MAN Energy Solutions is leading the way in sustainable two-stroke engine innovation. We have a large portfolio and proven track record of dual-fuel engines that run on methanol, methane (LNG), LPG, or ethane. Following the successful start of single-cylinder tests of our MAN B&W two-stroke ammonia engine in 2023, we are conducting full-scale engine tests in 2024 and are aiming to enable the delivery of the first ammonia engine, the MAN B&W ME-LGIA to a shipyard by the end of 2024. As newbuild or retrofit, it will be a valuable addition to the existing MAN B&W two-stroke dual-fuel engine portfolio and will meet future market demands for green ship propulsion.
Ammonia – a new chapter in two-stroke engine history.
Proven two-stroke engine design
The ammonia two-stroke engine is based on the proven and trusted MAN B&W ME-LGI engine concept. It will be available as a newbuild engine or as a retrofit option for existing electronically controlled ME-C engines. The engine is currently under development at our Research Centre Copenhagen.
The development also includes safety measures such as ammonia containment systems, sensors, system ventilation and double-walled piping. The 3rd of July 2023, we achieved the first combustion with ammonia on the two-stroke test engine, with highly promising data on the stability of the combustion process. The focus is now on engine performance, pilot oil energy fraction, ignition and various emissions.
Watch the work.
Ammonia engine: key benefits
Energy density and efficiency
Ammonia can be used as an energy carrier of sustainable hydrogen and is carbon free. The two-stroke ammonia engine technology development aims for a small percentage of just 5% pilot oil at 100% load based on L1 rating. The remaining 95% of the energy will be provided by ammonia while supplying you with high power, energy density, efficiency and extremely low emissions.
Carbon- and sulphur-free
Ammonia is carbon- and sulphur-free and gives a clean combustion. Green ammonia as a fuel for shipping has the potential to become the sustainable future fuel choice, especially due to the expected lower production cost compared to other e-fuels such as e-methanol and synthetic natural gas.
Retrofits
The future installation of an ammonia combusting engine can be adapted to the customer. For example, as a dual-fuel, modular retrofit solution for existing electronically controlled engines. Talk to our experts about the best solution for your company.
Injection system for ammonia
The MAN B&W ammonia engine design philosophy
Ammonia mode
A small pilot flame is needed to start ammonia combustion. Initial tests were conducted with 10-15% pilot as a first step. The R&D target is around 5% pilot oil at 100% load for L1-rated engines.
We target for the same heat rate as “fuel
oil mode”. The ammonia engine concept will be based on the Liquid Gas Injection engine concept, which is well known from the existing methanol and LPG-fueled MAN B&W two-stroke dual-fuel engines.
Fuel oil mode
We target identical performance as a conventionally fueled diesel engine.
Ammonia auxiliary systems
The auxiliary systems provide additional support to the MAN B&W ammonia engine and together ensure safe and efficient combustion. The ammonia catch system and the addition of absorbers make sure that no ammonia will be vented to the atmosphere above 5 ppm at our Research Centre Copenhagen.
Selective catalytic reduction technology
To reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and to fulfil IMO Tier III emission regulations, engines from MAN Energy Solutions have been equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology for many years.
The SCR system using ammonia was introduced in the 1990s in four bulk carriers.
It is an after-treatment process, where NOX formed during combustion is removed from the exhaust gas in a catalytic reduction. Additionally, the SCR unit will be utilized to remove any ammonia slip from the exhaust.
Pending the outcome of the first engine test results, an increase in SCR volume and ammonia consumption may be necessary to achieve compliance in Tier III mode.
Contact us
Talk to our experts for ammonia engines
You want to know more about our two-stroke ammonia engine and how it can suit your goals? Our global network of dedicated engineers will help you find the perfect solution for your business. Start your change process now and reach out to us today.
Download the paper and learn more about the ammonia engine
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Ammonia engine testing
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Alternative fuels for your two-stroke powered vessel: Ammonia, methanol and methane in focus
Watch the recording of our latest MAN ExpertTalk on alternative fuels for large merchant marine vessels. Get insights into the most promising marine fuels of the expected future fuel mix for two-stroke vessels, namely ammonia, methanol and methane.
You can also look forward to hearing about the latest product developments and applications as well as reasons why these fuels have the potential to offer a straightforward path for the future maritime energy transition.